Sighting telescope with internal display

ABSTRACT

A sighting telescope includes an objective, a path-folding system, an ocular and an infinity mark. The infinity mark can be adjusted in a vertical direction with the aid of an elevation drive. The elevation drive is provided with a sensor with which the setting of the elevation drive is detected. This detected setting is graphically displayed for the shooter in the sighting telescope.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] A sighting telescope having a laser range finder is known from the Swarovsky Company of Austria which is available in the marketplace under product identification ZF3-12X. The adjustment of the ballistic compensation is undertaken via a conventional elevation rotational ring in this sighting telescope. The sighting telescope includes an integrated laser range finder. The measuring result of the laser range finder is reflected into the viewing field of the user. The in-reflection takes place utilizing a three-position seven-segment display.

[0002] A fire control system is disclosed in European patent publication 0,057,304 which includes a laser range finder and a sighting telescope. Such a fire control system is utilized for firing systems provided in armored vehicles. These systems are not suitable for handheld firearms because of their size. Also, such fire control systems are expensive.

[0003] A method for adjusting a sighting device is known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,118,186 (German patent publication 4,003,932). A laser distance measuring device or laser range finder is also provided in this sighting device and the sighting mark is adjusted with the aid of a motor in dependence upon the detected distance. Furthermore, this publication shows that an optical display can be provided in the sighting telescope with which the shooter is informed as to the particular operating state of the sighting telescope with reference to the operation of an automatic positioning of the infinity mark.

[0004] An automatic all-weather illumination for a sighting telescope is disclosed in German patent publication 201 19 281. Here, the brightness of the sighting mark is automatically controlled by a light-dependent resistor which is connected in parallel to a fixed resistor.

[0005] European patent publication 0,651,225 discloses a sighting device having an illuminated infinity mark. With sufficient ambient light, the radiation, which is needed for illuminating the infinity mark, is made available via a light collector containing luminescent material. A battery for the operation of the illuminated infinity mark is provided for inadequate ambient light.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0006] It is an object of the invention to provide a sighting telescope wherein an exact adjustment of the infinity mark is possible without interrupting the viewing of the scene.

[0007] It is a further object of the invention to make possible a precise adjustment and check of the ballistic compensation even for poor viewing conditions. It is another object of the invention to avoid illuminating the adjusting elements. With an illumination, the position of the shooter would be exposed and this is unwanted.

[0008] It is also an object of the invention to provide a sighting telescope with which a target can be hit with greater accuracy.

[0009] An exact adjustment of the elevation is made possible with the measure of providing a sighting telescope with an elevation drive with the position of the drive being detected by means of a sensor. This detected adjustment is displayed for a shooter in the optical viewing field of the sighting telescope. With the above, the accuracy with which a target hit is increased. Also, it is made possible for the shooter to adjust the elevation to the desired position even in poor viewing conditions.

[0010] It has been shown to be advantageous to illuminate this display with the same light intensity as the infinity mark.

[0011] It has been shown to be advantageous to supply the adjustment of the elevation drive detected by means of a sensor to a processor. A distance, which corresponds to the detected adjustment of the elevation drive, is displayed to the shooter. Furthermore, it has been shown to be advantageous that several value tables are stored in the processor. The shooter can select a value table which forms the basis of the determination of the displayed distance.

[0012] It has also been shown to be advantageous to assign a key pad to the processor via which a selection of a value table and/or desired type of display can be selected. As a type of display, the system of units or the accuracy can be displayed with which a distance is to be shown. Furthermore, with this key pad, additional information can be supplied to the processor such as temperature, inclination of a terrain, wind intensity and wind direction.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, an operator-controlled element is provided. Here, the operator-controlled element is in the form of a rotational ring or knob. With this operator-controlled element, it can be set how long the infinity mark as well as the display should be illuminated and, in this way, the above become visible for the shooter in the optical viewing field of the sighting telescope after the operator-controlled element or a further operator-controlled element is actuated. Here, the rotational ring can, for example, also be actuated with a short-time pressing. With this adjustability, the shooter can influence the selection of the duration of illumination and thereby the energy consumption connected with the display.

[0014] Furthermore, it can be provided that the shooter can influence illuminating brightness manually by actuating the rotational knob.

[0015] It has been shown to be advantageous to provide an interface at the sighting telescope via which additional data can be read into the processor. The provision of an infrared interface has been shown to be especially advantageous because, with an interface of this kind, a compact housing of the sighting telescope can be ensured without difficulty and, in the meantime, the PC's include infrared interfaces in series manufacture. For this reason, an interface of this kind allows for a comfortable reading-in via a PC. Furthermore, reading-in of information via barcodes can be provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0016] The invention will now be described with reference to the drawings wherein:

[0017]FIG. 1 is a side elevation view of a sighting telescope according to the invention; and, FIG. 2 is a block circuit diagram showing a detailed configuration for the digital internal read-out for the sighting telescope of the invention.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The principal configuration of the sighting telescope 1 of the invention will now be described with respect to FIG. 1.

[0019] The sighting telescope 1 includes an objective 3 and an ocular 5. A path-folding system (not shown in FIG. 1) is arranged between the objective 3 and the ocular 5. The objective, path-folding system and ocular are mounted in a tube. A path-folding system which is exemplary of the kind which can be provided in the sighting telescope of FIG. 1 is shown, for example, in European patent publication 0,654,650 which is incorporated herein by reference. The path-folding system includes an infinity mark which can be adjusted in the vertical direction by means of an elevation drive 5. The infinity mark can be made available with a diode mounted on a glass plate as disclosed, for example, in German patent publication 100 46 878 which is incorporated herein by reference. However, other infinity marks such as a cross-hairs infinity mark can also be provided for which a center region is not covered by the infinity mark.

[0020] For adjusting the infinity mark in the horizontal direction, a horizontal drive (not shown in FIG. 1) is provided which is mounted at an angle of 90° to the elevation drive and to the optical axis of the sighting telescope. A device for attaching the target telescope to a rifle or other weapon is provided at a side of the target telescope lying opposite to the elevation drive.

[0021] The target telescope shown in FIG. 1 is suitable for use with handheld firearms because of its compactness and its weight.

[0022] The function of the sighting telescope 1 and the assembly thereof is described in detail with respect to FIG. 2.

[0023] The elevation drive 7 is provided with a sensor, preferably in the form of a foil resistor and, with this sensor, the setting of the elevation drive 7 is detected. For this purpose, the signal as to the rotational angle of the elevation drive 7 is received as an analog signal and is converted into a digital signal because a digitally-operating processor 21 is provided as a control device in this embodiment. If an analog-operating control device is provided, then this conversion is not necessary.

[0024] The signal, which is supplied to the processor 21 and which characterizes the position of the elevation drive, is compared to a value table stored in the processor 21. From this comparison, the ballistic curve can be obtained, that is, at which distance the projectile will impact under normal conditions. The ballistic curve is dependent upon the type of ammunition and the type of weapon. For this reason, preferably several value tables are stored in the microprocessor 21 which can be selected. Furthermore, routines can be stored in the processor via which the following can be considered in the determination of the impact position: the air pressure, wind velocity and wind direction, terrain inclination and the inclination of the path. The wind direction and wind intensity can, for example, be determined using a laser measuring apparatus and can be supplied to the processor 21 via one of the available interfaces. The inclination of the barrel can be determined via an inclination sensor provided on the weapon and supplied to the processor 21. Also, an inclination of the weapon can be considered in the computation of the impact point. German patent publication 2,259,913 describes the effects of a tilting of the weapon relative to the vertical axis. The vertical axis is fixed by the action of the gravitational force.

[0025] The distance, which is determined by the processor, is displayed in the optical viewing field of the shooter by means of a display 17. In the illustrated embodiment, a three-position display 17 is provided and each position 19 includes seven segments. The display 17 is preferably disposed in the ocular image plane of the sighting telescope 1 or is reflected into the ocular image plane of the sighting telescope 1. The distance at which the projectile is to impact is determined by processor 1 and is displayed by means of the display 17. An electronic unit is provided for setting the illumination of the display as well as for setting the illumination of the infinity mark. This electronic unit adapts the illumination intensity of infinity mark and display to the brightness of the scene image located in the viewing field while, at the same time, allowing a manual intervention of the shooter into this control system. The manual control of the illuminating intensity can take place via a rotational resistor, which is a configured as a rotational ring or knob or a key pad.

[0026] If an operator-controlled element for setting illumination (on/off, bright/dark) is actuated, then a presettable timer controls the duration of the active display illumination. Preferably, the illumination duration can also be set via a key function during the active illumination.

[0027] For example, the illumination can be activated with a short-time pressing of the rotational ring and, during this time, additional settings can be made by rotating the rotational ring. As long as an adjustment is undertaken, the illumination preferably remains activated. If no adjustment takes place any more or illumination is activated only via a short time activation, then the illumination of the display ceases after a predetermined time duration is elapsed. A time duration of 3 to 4 seconds has been shown to be especially suitable.

[0028] The numbers 19 of the display 17 become visible for the shooter approximately in the lower quarter of the optical viewing field of the sighting telescope 1. Preferably, the display 17 is connected to the processor via a foil conductor.

[0029] In the illustrated embodiment, the processor 21 is connected to a key pad 23 for the transfer of signals. With this key pad 23, it is possible to set the data and/or the type of display wanted by the shooter. Accordingly, a display of the distance, for example, in meters or yards can be selected. Furthermore, with the key pad, it is possible to precisely set the accuracy, for example, to centimeters. Furthermore, in this way, a selection can be made between various stored value tables which correspond to different ballistics. The different ballistics are especially dependent on the type of projectile used and on the type of rifle or the type of weapon. Also, specific terrain conditions, such as an inclined terrain or wind conditions, can be inputted which are considered in the subsequent display of a distance. Furthermore, the user can specify via the key pad that a dimension for the adjustment of the elevation knob is wanted, for example, in the form of a click. With a click, an adjustment of the elevation drive is provided by a predetermined amount which is made clear to the user by overcoming a resistance when rotating the elevation drive. That is, the shooter perceives a catch when actuating the elevation knob.

[0030] Additional sensors can be provided having signals which are supplied to the processor. In dependence upon these signals, corrected or modified value tables can be applied for the distance to be displayed. In lieu of the value tables, also mathematical descriptions of the value tables can be stored in the processor and the value to be displayed can be based thereon.

[0031] The detection of the inclination of the barrel is especially advantageous additional information which can be included in the determination of the distance. Furthermore, with a detected tilting of the weapon, indication thereof can be provided in the display whereby the number of incorrect shots can be reduced.

[0032] Additional data such as temperature, air pressure, wind velocity and wind direction can be registered by providing sensors and be included or inputted via the key pad and thereby be considered in the determination of the displayed distance. In order to be able to subsequently read in the value tables, an interface 31 is provided for the sighting telescope 1 for inputting data into the processor 21. Accordingly, the data, which are obtained by means of initially shooting the particular weapon, can be conveniently read in and then be considered during subsequent operation. Furthermore, it is possible via this interface 31 to input individual values, such as distance of the weapon axis to the optical axis of the sighting telescope and referencing the angular position of the elevational rotational ring to a specific distance during initial shooting.

[0033] This reading-in of data can, for example, be carried out by a PC via a serial interface or via a special bar code or via a data card which is inserted through a slot. An infrared interface can be provided as an interface which permits a comfortable transfer of data from, for example, a PC or a laptop, which in the present day, all have IR interfaces. The operational readiness of the infrared interface can be activated via the key pad 23 of the sighting telescope 1. The key pad 23 is preferably configured as a foil key pad 25 having two or more keys.

[0034] A 3.6 volt lithium cell can be used as an energy source. This lithium cell can, for example, be built into the elevation plane below the sighting telescope transversely to the direction of firing. A rechargeable battery can also be used as an energy source and this battery can be charged by means of a solar cell provided on the sighting telescope.

[0035] It is understood that the foregoing description is that of the preferred embodiments of the invention and that various changes and modifications may be made thereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A sighting telescope for a weapon operated by a shooter, the sighting telescope comprising: an objective defining an optical axis; an ocular arrangement on said optical axis downstream of said objective; a path-folding system arranged on said optical axis between said objective and said ocular; an infinity marking; an elevation drive adjustable in position for displaying said infinity marking in a vertical direction relative to said optical axis; a sensor for detecting a setting of said elevation drive corresponding to said position; and, a display for graphically displaying said setting in said sighting telescope for the shooter.
 2. The sighting telescope of claim 1, wherein said sensor generates a signal indicative of said setting; and, said sighting telescope further comprising a processor connected to said sensor for receiving said signal and a distance corresponding to said setting is indicated via said display.
 3. The sighting telescope of claim 2, wherein several value tables are stored in said processor.
 4. The sighting telescope of claim 2, further comprising an operator-controlled element connected to said processor for inputting information into said processor.
 5. The sighting telescope of claim 3, wherein said operator-controlled element is a key pad.
 6. The sighting telescope of claim 1, further comprising an electronic unit with which the brightness or illuminating intensity of said display and said infinity mark is controlled and matched to the brightness in the target region.
 7. The sighting telescope of claim 6, further comprising an operator-controlled element operatively connected to said electronic unit for facilitating manual adjustment of the control of the brightness of said display and infinity mark.
 8. The sighting telescope of claim 6, further comprising an operator-controlled element for activating an illumination of said infinity mark.
 9. The sighting telescope of claim 8, wherein said operator-controlled element is a rotational ring.
 10. The sighting telescope of claim 7, further comprising an illumination sensor assigned to said operator-controlled element for detecting the setting and activation of said operator-controlled element and for transmitting a signal indicative of said setting and activation to said processor.
 11. The sighting telescope of claim 10, wherein said illuminating sensor is a photo receiver.
 12. The sighting telescope of claim 10, wherein said operator-controlled element includes means for adjusting the duration of illumination of said display and said infinity mark.
 13. The sighting telescope of claim 12, wherein said duration of illumination takes place after a short-time activation of said operator-controlled element.
 14. The sighting telescope of claim 12, further comprising a timer which is activated with the activation of said operator-controlled element.
 15. The sighting telescope of claim 1, wherein said processor includes an interface via which data including value tables can be read in.
 16. The sighting telescope of claim 15, wherein said interface is an infrared interface.
 17. The sighting telescope of claim 5, wherein said key pad is a foil key pad.
 18. The sighting telescope of claim 1, wherein said display is reflected into an image plane of said sighting telescope.
 19. The sighting telescope of claim 18, wherein said display is reflected into the ocular plane.
 20. The sighting telescope of claim 1, wherein said value tables include value tables for different types of munitions for one or different types of weapons.
 21. The sighting telescope of claim 5, wherein the following factors can be inputted via said key pad or detected by sensor means: various location conditions including wind direction, wind intensity, terrain inclination, barrel inclination relative to the horizontal, tilting of the weapon; and, said factors are considered in the determination of the actual ballistics and the displayed value.
 22. The sighting telescope of claim 1, wherein a tilting of a weapon is detected by a sensor and indicated to a shooter via a visible signal or an amount, which is to be corrected manually, is displayed via said processor with said amount primarily defining a lateral deviation. 